• Predictive Arguments: A case is made for anticipating or predicting events based on the characteristics of a category (X or Y) or based on the relationship between X and Y. Some sample arguments are below (the combination of X and Y is not represented).
  • All Xs have this characteristic, behave this way, or are in this state. Therefore, I predict __ about X.
    • Example: All mice eat cheese. Therefore, the cheese on the table will be eaten by the mouse on the table.
  • All Ys have this characteristic, behave this way, or are in this state. Therefore, I predict __ about Y.
    • Example: All cheese will be eaten by mice. Therefore, the cheese on the table will be eaten by the mouse on the table.
  • Some Xs have this characteristic, behave this way, or are in this state. Therefore, I predict __ about X.
    • Example: Some gray mice eat cheese. Therefore, the cheese on the table may be eaten by the gray mouse on the table.
  • Some Ys have this characteristic, behave this way, or are in this state. Therefore, I predict __ about Y.
    • Example: Some yellow cheeses are desired by mice. Therefore, the yellow cheese on the table may eaten by the mouse on the table.
  • No Xs have this characteristic, behave this way, or are in this state. Therefore, I predict __ about X.
    • Example: No mice have been found to have 2 tails in this region. Therefore, the mouse in this region will have 1 tail.
  • No Ys have this characteristic, behave this way, or are in this state. Therefore, I predict __ about Y.
    • Example: No ballots were left uncounted. Therefore, the voting system should be fair and equitable.